A hair in the head is worth two in the brush

I always stress that faster growth is good, but retention is key. I assume that the readers of this blog already have an idea of the healthy hair care basics, which leaves room for more advanced techniques and tips to take length retention to the next level. I am, by no means, a fast grower. I've had so much trial and error it's not even funny. But that's what I love about blogging. I get to share all the things that WORK for me to retain length and health. If you don't blog or have a private hair journal, I highly encourage you to start one today!!

Ceramide binding to African-American hair fibre correlates with resistance to hair breakage

I found a journal article from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science that gives props to ceramides specifically for relaxed hair. The relaxer I've been using for years (Optimum Care) contains ceramides. But there are a ton of conditioners and oils that contain ceramides as well, I'm thinking about stepping my ceramide game up in the new year...

Repetitive hair-relaxing treatments often applied to African-American hair weaken the hair structure. Therefore hair breakage is a common feature of relaxed hair and an leading cause of hair breakage. Bernard, Franbourg, François, Gautier, & Hallegotstudy (2002) conducted a study showing that ceramides bind to African--American hair and protects it from weakening caused by chemicals.They used a method called the Break'in Brush Technique (BBT®), which determines hair breakage resistance during brushing. Using this technique, the authors have demonstrated less breakage after applying a shampoo with ceramides. The study opens new prospects for the development of products able to increase the protection, provide better care and meet the needs of African--American hair thanks to the effect of ceramide binding.

SOURCE: Bernard, B. A., Franbourg, A. A., François, A. M., Gautier, B. B., & Hallegot, P. P. (2002). Ceramide binding to African-American hair fibre correlates with resistance to hair breakage. International Journal Of Cosmetic Science, 24(1), 1.

Cornrows.

I just got them put in tonight. I would take a pic but they're not the pretty cornrows like Ciara's pictured above. They're the quickly and loosely done ones, ones that scream I don't-care-how-they-look because I'm-gonna-put-a-halfwig-over-them-anyway cornrows. Looking back, these things did help with length retention despite my detangling mishap earlier this year.

Here's the winterized cornrow reggie:
1) Shampoo as needed
2) Lightly oil ends daily
3) Massage scalp daily to stimulate blood circulation and growth
4) Baggy on non-wash nights

I left out some of my own hair in the front to blend. The only thing I need to buy is a straight halfwig. I have a curly one already, but I'm sure I'll want a change. As for how long I'll keep these cornrows in for...at least 2 weeks. Max 3!

EDIT:  It's been about 2 weeks and I'm still in the cornrows :) I had to re-do the back because it was coming loose. Other than that it's all good. I want to leave them in for a few more days.

Wash Day (9 weeks post)

Hope everyone is having a terrific weekend so far. I know mine is going well :) This week I've protective styled every day so I'm patting myself on the back for that :) Last weekend I was urging to relax early but the feeling has since passed. I've been toying with the idea of putting in cornrows as a protective style.

Anyway here's what I did to my hair today:
1) Detangled with EVOO. I left it on for an hour with a plastic cap (pre-poo)
2) Shampooed (lathered twice) with Dove shampoo
3) Conditioned in-shower with Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner
4) Moisturized with S-curl, sealed with EVOO
5) Air dry w/ scarf method

Thoughts:
 My hair is not completely dry yet, but the parts that are dry feel smooth and soft. My new growth is starting to come in. There was a lot of hair in the comb this wash. Probably because I haven't detangled in days. I also skipped my usual leave-in today (aphogee green tea & keratin) in place of something moisture based (S-curl).

Plan until next wash day is to protective style with hats and halfwigs. Moisturizing and sealing with EVOO as needed. Simple.

Get Yo' Freak On TAG

Yay another tag!! I was tagged by Aireen over at http://heartmau.blogspot.com/

1. What's a nickname only your family calls you? Al

2. What's a weird habit of yours? I crack my fingers and toes several times a day

3. Do you have any weird phobias? nope just spiders

4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast and belt out when you're alone? Anything by Vybz Kartel lol

5. Biggest pet peeve? When people cough without covering their mouth. Especially in flu season. Really??

6. Any nervous habits? I bite my nails and cuticles off when I'm nervous. I also sigh really loudly (got it from my dad)

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on? My bed is small so I sleep right in the middle lol but I tend to gravitate to the left (towards the closest wall)

8. First stuffed animal? a pink elephant

9. What drink do you always order at Starbucks? I'm not really a Sbux fan but passion tea lemonade was the drink of the summer :)

10. What's the beauty rule that you preach but never ACTUALLY practice? To sleep early. I'm always staying up late for no reason but I always tell my little sister to get her beauty sleep.

11. Which way do you face in the shower? I usually have my back towards the shower head because I'm washing my hair lol

12. Do you have any weird body skills? Not really...I can crack my wrists and thumb in weird places

13. Favourite comfort food that's 'bad' but you love anyway? Chinese food...cookie dough ice cream...cheesecake...I could go on

14. Phrase or exclamation you ALWAYS say? "oh please"

15. Time to sleep what are you ACTUALLY wearing? a cotton t-shirt (must be cotton) and loose comfy pants. I don't remember the last time I actually wore legit pajamas lol

16. What's something you used to wear that you thought was cool but now you realize it wasn't that hot? I used to wear my hair in a straight-back low ponytail ALL throughout elementary school and part of high school. Not a good look because my hair was sooo damaged. It wasn't even protective styling because my ends were rubbing up against my shoulders all the time. I probably would have been better off with a high bun and side part. Also I used to wear men's shoes (Air Force Ones) in high school...lol! Now I'll stick to my heels and flats and my man can rock his kicks :)

 I tag Kaytee (at http://hautepinkheels.blogspot.com) and Sharday (http://theawkwardstage-se.blogspot.com/) to complete this one!!

Wash Day + Some Goals for 2012

Today I decided to give my hair the ultimate treatment. I haven't been treating it very well this past week and it deserves some nourishment and nurturing. Why am I talking about my hair as if it's a baby LOL. Anyway here's what I used:

DC Mixture: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, EVOO, Honey, a squirt of Aphogee 2 Minute for protein, applicator bottle contains extra virgin coconut oil

DC Mixture

DC'd with a mix of the above for 2 hours and 15 mins. I used a heating cap to help the mix penetrate.

Shampoo, conditioner and leaveiin

After that, I thoroughly rinsed with water, then shampooed using Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo. Final (quick...like 30 seconds quick) rinse with Porosity Control Corrector and Conditioner.

Leave-in: Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin Restructurizer

Done! Now air drying

And for my 2012 goals:
1. Consistency in the products I use (will improve when I get rid of my PJ stash)
2. Stick to a monthly hair budget
3. Reach waist length
4. Relax no more than 3 times

QUESTION: What did you do to your hair this weekend??

Weekend Hair Recap

MBL

I flat ironed using CHI Silk Infusion. I also tried the saran wrap method for the first time and O M G....it made my hair come out super silky

This weekend I was planning to give my hair a nice treatment. But my weekend has been so busy that I won't have time to do anything. So I'll continue to saran wrap till next wash day (probably Tuesday).

What did you do to your hair this weekend? Leave a comment below!!

Class of 2012

Jeni from Just Grow Already made a post advertising her newest creation, class of 2012 length check tees. Which got me thinking. I haven't been worrying about my length, which is evident by the fact that my last length check was over 3 months ago. Anyway, don't think I'll make waist length this year (2011). I'm estimating that I will be full MBL by Dec 31, 2011. Which I am absolutely freaking ecstatic about!! Health before length. I did trim my ends a few weeks ago so I hope they are holding up.

2012 is also a big year for me because I graduate university (finance major, human resources minor). Can you imagine how amazing it would be to be on that graduation stage, receiving my degree with healthy hair down to my waist? That would be awesome!! But even if I don't make waist length by my grad, I have come such a long way and I will still be happy. Besides, what if I decide to go natural tomorrow? Being on that stage with a moisturized TWA I would feel just as amazing and accomplished. I guess the point is that I'm ready to graduate after 4 years lol -- four long years, but great nonetheless!! Well it's not done yet, I still have over half a year to go. Note to self: finish strong. Anyway, back to hair!!

I don't like how my hair looks and feels today. But I'm gonna fix it when I get home tonight. Here's how:
- Lightly detangle
- Shampoo with something that contains sulfates
-  Condition in-shower with Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor. My hair needs this tonight.
- Rinse and detangle under the shower
- Leave-in: Aphogee Green Tea Keratin Restructurizer
- Air dry overnight.

Operation P.U.M.P.

The excessive amount of products in my stash has barely changed since I last complained about it in May.


So I need to change something. Either stop buying stuff or start being heavy handed. Or both.


I've actively used up my stash before and that's when my hair was really thriving the most. Which makes sense because for example I was deep conditioning more and even though my goal was to use up the product, my hair reaped the benefits.


So I'm doing it again, with a fancy name...
Operation PUMP = Pick Up My Products. And finish them up!!!!

My regimen will be the same. Everythings the same. Just gonna start using my "less favourite" products more often. Because I really don't wanna throw products away.

Sometimes my room feels like a BSS...and it's not a good feeling #confessionsofaproductjunkie

Below is a list of the products I'm trying to get rid of. I will cross out things as I use them up! Just because I don't want to repurchase these products doesn't mean it's a bad product, just means I wouldn't repurchase for various reasons (i.e. not sold in stores anymore, too expensive, too hard to find, found something that my hair likes better etc;)

Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Shampoo
Hair One Jojoba
1 Packet Lisa Rachel Jojoba Cleanser & Conditioner
Amla Oil
Redken Heat Glide
Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Lacio Lacio Leave-in Conditioner
Fantasia IC Styling Gel (olive oil)
Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning Creme
Surge Plus 14
One n Only Argan Oil
Black n Sassy Wrap Creme
Lotta Body
Aussie Mousse
Aussie Mega Hairspray
Isoplus Oil Sheen
Aveda samples
Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme

EDIT: I removed my staples and only listed the products I want to use up.

My goal is to cut this list in half by the end of the year.

Any ideas for using up my stash?
If you live in the GTA and want any of these products, let me know!

Styles I plan to do when I reach WL

I saw this thread on BHM and it got me thinking about what styles I want to do when I reach my final goal. Here are the styles I'm planning on wearing when I reach waist length. I'm in no way "restricting" these styles for my final goal...in fact I'm experimenting with these styles now and I'm really enjoying my length. It's just that I think they will look even better at my goal.

Down and out:
- Huge braidout (basically re-create my favourite halfwig)

- Spiral curls with a clampless iron/curling iron
- Pin straight w/ center or side part

- Half up, half down

Protective styles:
- Fishtail braid
- 2 french braids on each side
- Massive braidout bun
- donut bun sans donut
- messy bun on the very top my my head

Just a few celebrity inspired

Kelly Rowland's rocking a weave but I think this can be re-created with a 1"curling iron

Can we just take a second to appreciate Keshia Knight Pulliam's hair? *le sigh*

Ashanti is rocking a weave too but this style can be re-created using a 3-barrel waving iron or a deep waver

Pretty....can be re-created by a braidout w/ gray perm rods on the ends

What styles are you planning to do once your hair gets longer??

Weekend Hair Plans

Nothing special....

Yesterday (Friday) I thoroughly moisturized and sealed in sections with S-curl and extra virgin coconut oil. Baggied overnight with a plastic cap and when I woke up this morning my hair was completely damp.

Here's how today's wash went:

• Shampooed with Giovanni Triple Tea Treat Shampoo (first impression: this stuff is AWESOME for my scalp...it really helped soothe it and minimize the itchies. Not so great on my hair because it is stripping, my hair was left feeling dry even though I diluted 2oz of shampoo with 1oz water in an applicator bottle. This shampoo lathered up very well for sulfate-free. It looks like I'm only gonna get 3 more uses out of the bottle...I tend to be heavy handed with it especially since I like to rinse and repeat.
• Conditioned with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose (really like this conditioner)
• Leave-in: Aphogee green tea & Keratin restructurizer...a staple since the beginning
• Moisturize with S-Curl
• Now air drying in 8 braids and a flat twist in the front.

Tomorrow: I'm going to a party...gonna protective style it up with a h/w.
Then on Monday morning, unravel and blend braids for a nice braidout ponytail on Monday.

For the rest of the week I'm very tempted to do a simple braidout bun/braidout ponytail every day :)

What are you doing to your hair this weekend, and how are you planning to wear it for the rest of the week?

Toronto Ladies: Where's NTM?

Anyone know where I can find Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Cream in Toronto? It used to be available at Walmart but not anymore. If you know where I can find some I would really appreciate it. Comment here or e-mail me myhealthyhairjourney@hotmail.com please :)

Whole Foods Haul (Featuring Aveda)

Today I stopped at Whole Foods here in Toronto and picked up some things:

1. Giovanni Triple Tree Treat Shampoo - $9.99

In my last post I was saying how my scalp is driving me nuts. Well I got so many great suggestions (thanks to everyone who commented in that post!!). Namely, Jeni from Just Grow Already directed me to a post about the oils she uses to soothe her scalp. I decided to buy this shampoo because it contains Eucalyptus,Tea Tree, and Lavender oils...many of the oils in her mix. I wish I could afford all the oils separately but my wallet wasn't letting that happen so the shampoo is the next best alternative. Also, Prettyjwatts did a youtube video raving about the product. This is my first Giovanni product so I'm excited to try it :)

2. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - $19.99

Another popular recommendation. I've been meaning to try this for the LONGEST time. Thanks for giving me the nudge to finally invest in this stuff.

3. Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner - $12.99

This is a repurchase, I used it towards the beginning of my hair journey with great results. This is a great cone-free moisturizing conditioner.White Camellia is next on my wishlist.

4. Aveda Damage Remedy shampoo, conditioner and daily hair repair (free samples)

I stopped in at an Aveda store because of a large sign outside saying "Free Damage Treatment". I'm not usually drawn in by signs but as a hair fanatic I just couldn't pass it up lol! I got sample sizes of the Damage Remedy shampoo, conditioner and daily hair repair. Looking forward to trying these eventually.

I also bought some cling wrap for my DC sessions (I usually do cling wrap then a plastic cap over the cling wrap).

Dry, Itchy Scalp: Help

Ever since the weather started cooling down, my scalp has been acting crazy. It gets really itchy only a few days after washing. And I never used to have an issue with dandruff but when I rub/itch my scalp I can see a whole bunch of flakes falling down.

I've tried co-washing and lubricating my scalp with JBCO to no avail. Moisturizer directly on my scalp just makes the itching worse. I would really like to go at least a week between washes but by the end of the week my scalp is extremely itchy to the point where small scabs are forming...yeah it's that bad :(


Any tips to help soothe this dry, itchy scalp of mine?

Week Recap & Weekend Hair Plans

This week I wore my hair in a braid-out bun every single day. Each night for maintenance I would apply product (s-curl and/or One n Only Argan Oil treatment). Then do 6-8 braids, set the ends on perm rods, and sleep on it. Take the braids down in the morning and put it all in a bun. Super easy, cute, no-heat and low-manipulation.

Last night I detangled/combed out the braid-out and these pics are what I ended up with...big fluffy hair. After taking some pics I gave my hair a much needed wash...here's how it went:

• Shampooed 2x w/ Quantum clarifying/chelating shampoo
• Shampooed 1x w/ Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Shampoo
• Conditioned with Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner
• Leave-in: Aphogee Keratin Green Tea
• Air dry, then moisturize and seal

It's the next day and my hair is still wet. I think this means my hair retains moisture well? Bet it's from all the Roux porosity control I've been using...Anyway this is my first time using the Dove treatment (in the tube) and I really like the smell, I keep getting whiffs of it here and there. The slip is alright. The consistency isn't very thick but it's only a "daily" treatment. 

Plan for the rest of the weekend is to moisturize, seal, and protective style. Mon-Fri I'll probably continue with the braid-out bun style. And incorporate another shampoo+condition on Tuesday

Stretching until Jan 2012

After watching a video by Buildable Beauty on youtube, I decided to join her on her challenge to delay the relaxer until next year. I'm currently 5 weeks post so that means no relaxer for at least 9 more weeks. 14 total. I think I can do it...I've gone 16 weeks before with good results and more thickness. So I'm ready for it again.

Problems: Christmas/end of year reveal. I was really planning on showing the fruits of my labour on here and in person with a fresh relaxer. But I guess I can get a similar result with a flat iron...

Another problem is that during final exams I really do not want to deal with my hair...like seriously not at all....I know that I'll be impatient with so that might be an issue with tons of new growth. I guess I could throw it in a bun for exam week and hope it doesn't turn into one big deadlock?

With those off my chest, looking at them they don't seem major so I'm gonna go ahead with stretching until 2012.

Anyone else avoiding something hair-related for the rest of the year?

Kreativ Blogger [Award]

Thanks to Tommie @ Hair De La Creme for awarding me :)

RULES

1. Link back to the person who passed you the award
2. Complete the form below
3. Award 10 Blogs & drop them a line about it
4. Share 7 random things about yourself 

 Here are my answers..

• Name your favorite song: This changes all the time but right now it's Adele - Cold Shoulder
  
• Name your favorite dessert: White Chocolate Brownie from Moxies!
  
• What pisses you off: That I spent $100+ on each textbook and can't even sell it for the full amount because the publishers change the edition every year
  
• When you're upset, you: listen to music or take a walk while I relax and think about how to handle the situation
  
• Your favorite pet: I've only ever had pet fish. But I think a hamster would be so cute
  
• Black or white: Black
• Your biggest fear:  I`m pretty terrified of spiders *shudders*
  
• Best feature: My smile.
  
• Everyday attitude: Don't blame other people but instead see what you can do to make the situation better
  
• What is perfection: An epitome.
  
• Guilty pleasure: Anything hair related, and fast food

 7 Random facts about me

1. I hate the feeling of wet substances on my finger tips (including lotion, oil etc...which is probably why I wash my hands all the time)
2. In high school I won the performing arts award
3. I think Adam Levine (lead singer of Maroon 5) is sexy
4. #TeamBlackberry
5. When others around me feel warm/hot, I feel cold...and vice versa
6. I'm turning 21 soon
7. I have 5 piercings...2 on each ear and belly button

Here are the bloggers I'm awarding. I tried to pick people who haven't been awarded yet

Hairlicious Inc (fellow Canadian)

Thick Beautiful hair Journey (fellow Canadian)

From Short to Long

My World of Hair

Healthy hair by special k 

 Diva Locks

 My Pure Beauty

Seven Things [TAG]

I am pleased to announced that I have been tagged by Shika over at Hair I Am World in a 7 things about me tag. Here's it goes...

1. I'm Canadian (Toronto).

2. I failed math in grade 2. Which is funny because now I'm studying Finance in university.

3. I'm a really quiet person. I guess you could say I'm an introvert? On a Friday night I'd much rather read, surf the net, and deep condition my hair rather than go out and party. But I'm really outgoing and talkative with my friends, co-workers and classmates.

4. I like when people doubt me. This is because it motivates me to work harder or find creative solutions. My life has been a series of people thinking I can't do something, and me proving them wrong (not out of revenge, but for my own satisfaction).

5. I'm addicted to chocolate. I love food in general but something about chocolate does something to me

6. I like winter better than summer. My friends think I'm crazy for this but I love to bundle up, and not to mention all the events that are in the winter (Christmas, new years, my birthday etc etc).

7. I love writing to-do lists. I have an agenda where I write my plans for the day and the major things I want to get accomplished. I guess it's because I'm a student, but I seriously think I will continue to be an avid "planner" even when I'm done school. You know what they say..."if you fail to plan you plan to fail"

If you're reading this, you've been TAGGED!

Winter Wishlist !

I've been really trying to watch my spending this month because Christmas shopping is right around the corner. Generally, this is my spending habit: I don't buy things often but once in a while I will splurge on things I really love and are of good quality. So I plan on getting these things before the end of the year:

• A cute knit hat. I've never really been a hat person but I think this winter is a good opportunity to protect my hair and keep warm with a silk-lined one.

• Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner. I've used this conditioner in the past with good results. I'm looking for a strictly moisturizing conditioner that I can use for deep conditioning, co-washes etc. This product does not contain any protein and I've had good results from it in the past (soft, moisturized, shiny hair....it also has natural ingredients and no cones - which is a bonus for minimizing build-up).

• Natural oils. I took a good, hard look at my product stash and I realize that I basically have NO natural oils. I have a full bottle of Amla (which I can't stand the smell of by the way, no idea how I'm gonna use it up) and Sally's One n Only Argan Oil which doesn't count since it's filled with cones. I'm thinking of getting coconut, extra virgin olive, and/or avocado oil. Also definitely getting Jamaican Black Castor Oil which is a long time staple, I just ran out. 

• A dry shampoo. Winter means washing my hair less often so I want to use something to freshen up my hair in between washes.

• A drugstore shampoo and conditioner combo. I liked the Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair line so I might repurchase that. Right now I can't justify this purchase because I have a shampoo and conditioner I'm trying to use up, but I will get this combo at some point this season.

 

• Large barrel curling and/or clamp-less iron. You may be wondering...why do I want a heat tool if I'm on a HEALTHY hair journey? Well I don't plan on using heat more often but it would be nice to try a different type of direct heat when I choose to use it. I figure that I've worked so hard this summer (with protective styling especially) that I deserve to reward myself with something that will help me "enjoy" my hair!

What's on your winter wishlist?

Finally learned how to wrap (thx to this vid)

 

I actually learned how to wrap a while ago, but I still find myself watching this vid as a guide until wrapping comes naturally to me. It is the most helpful technique I've seen on youtube. My hair is currently flat ironed and wrapping has been a great way to preserve my straight styles. 

I read that wrapping can cause thinning on one side, but honestly I'm not too concerned because I rarely wear my hair out (and therefore rarely wrap). But I'll still keep an eye out for an adverse effects.

Speaking of hair, I flat ironed my hair on Sunday night. I must say I'm really enjoying wearing my hair straight. Here are some pics I took today (as requested):

Nightly maintenance: 

1. apply a little serum/pomade (only if needed...I didn't use any tonight because my hair was already a little weighed down). 

2. Wrap like in the video

3. tie a satin scarf

that's it. This is just as simple as protective styling with halfwigs. I'm planning to wear my hair straight for the rest of the week.